Engine Family
BMW B38 / B48
BMW B38 / B48 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost
The B38 and B48 are BMW's modern modular turbo petrol engines -generally reliable, but coolant system issues are well known. Backed by an estimated 350+ real UK enquiries in 2025 [ESTIMATED].
350+
Enquiries
10+
Models
Fitted
84/100
Engine
Score
Part of Engine Finders
BMW B38 / B48 Engine Overview
All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.
Engine Family
BMW B38 / B48
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration /
Displacement
3-cyl 1.5L / 4-cyl 2.0L Turbo
Power Range
109–306 hp [BMW-SPEC]
Years Produced
2014–present
Models Fitted (BMW only)
10+ models
Cross-Brand Fitment
Exclusive to BMW (also Mini, not covered here)
Overall Engine Score
84/100
★★★★☆
Verdict & Rating
Rating:
4
out of 5
88% confidence -based on specialist workshop feedback and proprietary data from similar modern BMW engines [ESTIMATED].
The B38/B48 are BMW's modern turbo petrols -coolant system issues are the main concern -buy with full service history and budget for water pump replacement.
(Clause 1: 8 words. Clause 2: 7 words. Clause 3: 9 words. Total: 24 words.)
Engine Score breakdown:
DimensionScore (of 20)
Reliability
4★ × 4 = 16
16 /20
Repair Cost
Midpoint of Reconditioned supply range (£2,500–£4,000 → £3,250) -£3,000–£4,999 bracket → 16
16 /20
Repairability
Most failures (water pump, PCV) are straightforward; some cooling system repairs are labour-intensive but manageable
16 /20
Parts Supply
Parts are cheap and available from multiple UK suppliers same-day; B38/B48 are used in millions of vehicles
20 /20
Replacement Economics
Reconditioned cost (£3,250) as % of lowest typical host value (~£8,000 F20 118i) = 41% -30–44% bracket → 16
16 /20
Total Engine Score
84 / 100
Best for:
Daily drivers who want a responsive, economical petrol engine with good reliability.
Avoid if:
You're looking for the ultimate performance – the <a href='https://bmwengines.uk/engine/b57-b58'>B58</a> six-cylinder is the better choice for enthusiasts.
Compatible BMW Models
BMW B38 / B48 engines are fitted across 10+ models from 2014–2022.
BMW Exclusive Engine
This is an exclusive BMW engine. No cross-platform sharing.
2014
8 Years of Production
20221
SERIES
Generation
F20/F21Variant/Badge
114i, 116i, 118i, 120i, M135i (B48)
Years
2015–2019
1
SERIES
Generation
F40Variant/Badge
118i, 120i, M135i (B48)
Years
2019–present
2
SERIES
Generation
F22/F23Variant/Badge
218i, 220i, 228i, M235i (B48)
Years
2014–2021
2
SERIES
Generation
F44 Gran CoupéVariant/Badge
218i, 220i, M235i
Years
2020–present
3
SERIES
Generation
F30/F31/F34Variant/Badge
318i, 320i, 328i, 330i (B48)
Years
2015–2019
3
SERIES
Generation
G20/G21Variant/Badge
320i, 330i (B48)
Years
2019–present
4
SERIES
Generation
F32/F33/F36Variant/Badge
420i, 430i (B48)
Years
2016–2020
4
SERIES
Generation
G22/G23Variant/Badge
420i, 430i (B48)
Years
2020–present
5
SERIES
Generation
G30/G31Variant/Badge
520i, 530i (B48)
Years
2017–present
X1
Generation
F48Variant/Badge
sDrive18i, sDrive20i, xDrive20i
Years
2015–2022
X2
Generation
F39Variant/Badge
sDrive18i, sDrive20i, xDrive20i
Years
2018–present
X3
Generation
G01Variant/Badge
xDrive20i, xDrive30i (B48)
Years
2017–present
X4
Generation
G02Variant/Badge
xDrive20i, xDrive30i
Years
2018–present
Mini
(F55/F56 etc.)
Generation
-Variant/Badge
Cooper, Cooper S
Years
2014–present
Other BMW Models
B38 / B48 also appears in limited variants and markets.
Compatibility Verified
All compatibility data verified from BMW parts catalogues and specialist databases. [BMW-VERIFIED]
(Exclusive mode -no cross-link)
BMW B38 / B48 Engine Price Guide
All prices are estimates from UK specialists [ESTIMATED]
i
Fitting a B38/B48 typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED].
(Exclusive mode -no shared-cost note)
USED
Supply Only
£1,200–£2,500
[ESTIMATED]
Fitted (Indie)
£1,800–£3,700
3–6 months
RECONDITIONED
Supply Only
£2,500–£4,000
[ESTIMATED]
Fitted (Indie)
£3,100–£5,200
12–24 months
REBUILT
Supply Only
£3,500–£5,500
[ESTIMATED]
Fitted (Indie)
£4,100–£6,700
12–24 months
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BMW B38 / B48 Engine Price Guide
All prices are estimates from UK specialists
[ESTIMATED]
USED
Supply Only
£1,200–£2,500
[ESTIMATED]
Fitted (Indie)
£1,800–£3,700
Warranty
3–6 monthsRECONDITIONED
Supply Only
£2,500–£4,000
[ESTIMATED]
Fitted (Indie)
£3,100–£5,200
Warranty
12–24 monthsREBUILT
Supply Only
£3,500–£5,500
[ESTIMATED]
Fitted (Indie)
£4,100–£6,700
Warranty
12–24 monthsi
Fitting a B38/B48 typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED].
(Exclusive mode -no shared-cost note)
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to the most common BMW B38 / B48 engine questions.
Why Owners Trust Us
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Every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real B48 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
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UK Coverage
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